The word whiskey is derived from the Gaelic term ‘uisce beathadh,’ which means ‘life’s water.’ If you look over the history of the United States military, you’ll find evidence of whiskey-induced drunkenness all over the place that it’s the military’s lifeblood.
The United States Army marks its 246th anniversary on June 14, 2021. A festive occasion made all the more special because another special designation falls on the same day, National Bourbon Day. Of course, not all whiskey is bourbon, but those manufactured in America are. Because we’ve opted to look at whiskey’s long history with American patriots, the connection between dark drink and patriotism must be acknowledged.
The previous drink of choice, rum, was abandoned after the Revolutionary War broke off the export of molasses. Whiskey swiftly climbed to the throne of American spirits, winning the hearts of patriots all around the country. In this article, we will discuss the 246 years-old relationships between the military and whiskey.
The Evaluation of Whiskey
The Europeans who settled in America brought their views about alcohol with them. Whiskey was not the most popular beverage at the time. Beer, strong apple cider, and brandy were the most popular drinks. Meanwhile, rum reigned supreme. 140 distilleries were churning out strong drinks produced from molasses gathered on Caribbean islands.
However, by 1800, whiskey had established itself as the preferred liquor among troops and most of America. The decline of rum as the preferred distilled liquor contributed significantly to the emergence of whiskey. The importation of molasses and the manufacturing of rum were seriously interrupted by the Revolutionary War. The cost of living increased dramatically. Rum was often derided by Americans as an English and old-world spirit.
Whiskey manufacturing, on the other hand, was exploding, and it was a local innovation. It had been consumed by settlers since at least 1620. Whiskeys from the Old World were generally manufactured from barley and wheat. Rye and maize were used to make American whiskeys, with the latter being particularly prevalent. Due to a lot of grain being grown, whiskey was frequently quite inexpensive. For a day’s wage, a farmhand could purchase a gallon of it.
The Military and Whiskey
Whiskey is popular among America’s combat troops, as any enlisted soldier will tell you. Military bases have a wide variety of alcoholic beverages available, including beer, spirits, and wines, but whiskey is extremely popular. And it’s not just any whiskey that’s flying off the shelves; it’s the American-made bourbons, ryes, and Tennessee whiskeys.
Whiskey’s appeal among soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines may certainly be explained in part as a mirror of broader American taste. As per the reports of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Americans bought particularly 30 million cases of American whiskey last year. But, beyond its beautiful amber color, powerful flavor, and mood-lifting properties, whiskey has a special attraction for military personnel. It may be more American than apple pie.
Whiskey has been a part of the American military since the founding of the country. No military leader in the eighteenth century would have embarked on a campaign without first preparing for this eventuality. In Europe, this was a long-standing custom. Alcohol was commonly seen as medical, as it improved morale and reduced fear.
Hooten & Young American Whiskey Hero Pack
Veteran-owned businesses provide a return gift for veterans returning from military service to focus their efforts as they strive to adjust to their new normal. For some, this means venturing into the realm of whiskey, as the immensely profitable and popular American Freedom Distillery has demonstrated. Another company, Hooten & Young, has now joined the fray with its own brand-new American whiskey hero pack.
Hooten & Young American whiskey hero pack is recently released by former special operation soldier Sgt. Norm Hooten and his friend Tim Young. This American whiskey hero pack was created to honor the brave men and women of the armed forces. Hooten & Young American whiskey hero pack is aged 12 years and made with 1% barley and 99% corn. The whiskey was distilled to 189 and barreled to 140-proof. The spirit was bottled at 92-proof from second fill barrels.
Because of the nearly full corn mash bill, this whiskey will be exceptionally sweet. Baked apple, maple, vanilla, and cream are all mentioned in the tasting notes directly on the label. The price of a 750 ml bottle of Hooten & Young American Whiskey appears to be approximately $90. In addition, the company stated that a part of earnings is contributed to organizations that help veterans.
US Military’s Love for Jack Daniel’s Whiskey
The United States military is the most frequent buyer of Jack Daniels’ by the Barrel program. A full barrel of Jack Daniel’s finest whiskey can be purchased by a military member. Various rules and regulations make it illegal for a buyer to return the 560-pound barrel to the barracks. The spirit is instead emptied into 250 bottles. As a result, when American combatants get together to share battle experiences, they frequently do it over a glass or two of this ancient amber liquor.
Jack Daniel’s master distiller Jeff Arnett said that the men and women of our nation’s military are the best friends of Jack Daniel’s. Jack Daniel’s is a Tennessee whiskey manufactured in the peaceful hills of Lynchburg, Tennessee, unlike its bourbon counterpart. Every drop of Jack Daniel’s has been distilled and matured on the rustic 1,700-acre facility for the past 152 years. The distillery, which is one of the most valuable alcohol brands in the world, ships out 15.3 million cases each year, sells to over 165 countries, and exports 52 percent of its entire output.
